The Prime Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, has asked for Germany’s help in reaching a visa-free travel agreement with the European Union.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is currently on an official visit to Thailand, and during his visit there, Prime Minister Thavisin urged him to support the exemption of Thai nationals from the visa requirements when travelling to the area.
Prime Minister Thavisin suggested that by permitting Thai nationals to enter the Schengen Area visa-free, the bloc would see increased numbers of foreign tourists.
At the same time, he reminded President Steinmeier that Thailand currently applies a visa-free regime for stays of up to 30 days to citizens of Germany and to those of the other Schengen Member States.
During their meeting, Prime Minister Thavisin further revealed that over 700,000 tourists from Germany entered Thailand without the need to go through the visa procedures last year, thus highlighting the importance of visa-free travel for Thais.
Despite Prime Minister Thavisin’s call for exemption from the visa requirement, government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke did not reveal President Steinmeier’s response on the matter.
The decision to exempt nationals of a certain third country from the visa requirement is taken following approval by all Schengen member states. The process also includes several steps that the third country needs to fulfill before its nationals are permitted visa-free entry into the Schengen Area. It also consists of an evaluation of the irregular migration risks.
However, the spokesperson stressed that President Steinmeier expressed his support for sustainable development.
As The Nation explains, President Steinmeier said that the country will help Thailand reduce its carbon emissions through the implementation of different projects. He further said that Germany wants to support the country in producing renewable energy.
Business representatives were also in Thailand with President Steinmeier. During their visit there, they said that they want to hold trade fairs in the country. Moreover, they also expressed their interest in helping the country with its recycling industries.
Currently, Thailand’s passport is ranked 109th on the VisaGuide Passport Index. According to the index, Thailand passport holders can enter a total of 42 countries without the need to apply for a visa.
On the other hand, they need to hold a visa when entering 119 countries worldwide, including here the Schengen Member States.
When applying for a Schengen visa, nationals of Thailand are required to submit several documents, including proof of accommodation, sufficient funds, and a roundtrip itinerary, among others.
